Fairs and Festivals in Mandi
FAIRS IN MANDI
In Himachal Pradesh the predominant size of Hindus are occupying the area of Mandi district. It is a land of Gods and fairs & festivals are an important part of hill culture. Almost every village is associated with fairs and festivals. Some of the important fairs celebrated in the district are -
Shivratri Fair
This fair is held in the month of February on Shivratri day in Mandi. Shiva is the chief deity of Himachal Pradesh. This festival is given the greatest importance even in temples all through Himachal Pradesh. This fair continues for a week, with great fun and frolic.On this occasion people bring hundreds of Gods and Goddesses in their Raths. Devotees carry them on shoulders amidst melodious religious songs. People pay their homage to Lord Shiva at famous temple of Bhut Nath in Mandi town. It is a state fair.
The Shivratri fair Mandi was started by Raja Ajber Sen, 300-400 years ago at Purani Mandi. Suraj Sen had 18 sons, al of whome died in his lifetime. Suraj Sen got a silver image crafted and named it Madho Rao to which he considered to be the King of the State of Mandi thereafter and all the rulers had to serve the state as servants of Madho Rao and caretakers of the State. The illustrious Madho Rao made by the golsmith Bhima, in the year 1705, o Thursday, the 15th Phagan. This date corresponds to A.D. 1648.
King of Kangra, Sansar Chand invaded Mandi state in 1792 taking its ruler Ishwari Sen prisoner for twelve years who was got released by Gurkha invaders who attacked Kangra and Mandi states. Gurkha invaders returned Mandi state to Ishwari Sen who received a warm reception when he returned to his headquarters. King invited all hill deities and organised a grand function on his return and the occasion happened to be Shivratri festival. It is believed that thereafter the practice of organising such function during Shivratri continued year after year and is still in force.
In the Shivratri fair, the village gods are carried into Mandi to do homage to Madho Rao and the Raja. The fairs for seven days; but is general rule that each god on arrival shall pay his respects to Madho Rao before he proceeds to the palace to salaam the ruler. On the second day of the fair, a parade of gods is held in Padal. The large open plain in the angle between the Beas and Suketi.
Sayar Fair
It is a famous fair observed in the month of September at a number of places such as Bakloh in Kangra, Karsog in Mandi, and Subathu in Shimla.
Nabahi Devi Fair
Nabahi is situated in the village Sangroh on the Hamirpur border in the western portion of the district. 
The name is variously derived, but the most probable derivation relates to the fact there were formerly nine temples situated there. At present there are three or four shrines only, the most important being that of Nabahi Devi, the rest being mostly small Shivals. The temples are said to be have been despoiled by Muhammadans, but while they were still busy with their looting a shower of cannon balls fell from heaven and drove them off. To the skeptical one of the balls is shown, still perched, as it fell, on a broken column. A largefair is held in June when about ten thousand votaries from Mandi, Hamirpur,Bilaspur and Kullu gather together.
Baisakhi Fair at Rewalsar
At about 24 Kms from Mandi, at Rewalsar Basakhi Fair is held on the first Baisakh each year, in the honour of Rishi Lomas, which is attended by several thousands of both sexes. An ealier fair take place in Phagan, but this essentially of Budhist interest, a considerable number of Tibetian, Lahaulis and Kanawaris performing the pilgrimage each year.
Nalwar Fair at Sundernagar
Nalwar Fair of Sundernagar held in the month of April. It is famous for the trading of cattle besides its religious and cultural importance.
Kamaksha Fair
This fair held at village Kao in Karsog Sub-Division, Started during Second World War, to pray to goddess Kamaksha to end the war.
Kamrunag Fair
Held every year in the month of June. Local people participate in large number showing the glimpse of local culture in its most colorful form. People throw gold and silver coins in the lake in reverence to God Shiva.
Kuthah Fair
Kuthah fair held in the month of May for a week in the beautiful Janjehli Valley in Gohar Sub-Division.
Prashar Fair
Held every year in the month of June, the fair depicts local culture of hill people besides attendance by the local deities.
Magru Mahadev Fair
Held every year in the month of August for three days. reflecting local hill culture and religious fervor of people to its best
Other Fairs
Besides these there are many other fairs such as Mamailfair in Karsog, Nalwari at Barchhwar and Bhangrotu etc...
FESTIVALS IN MANDI
Fairs and festivals are the most important part of the life of hill folk. Besides, a number of fairs organised at different places throughout the district, some festivals like Navratra (Nine auspicious days); Basoa- a festival of crops; Bakarmala, Chidan Mala, Haryalitri - festival relating to cattle wealth; Saayar - another crop festival; Naag Panchami, Gugga festival, Deepavali and Shivratri are some of the major festivals celebrated in the district during different seasons.
Shivratri Festival
it is celebrated in the month of February. The western part of India is influenced greatly by the mythology of Lord Shiva. This festival is given the greatest importance even in temples. Some people keep fast on this day. Images of Lord Shiva and Parvati are made from cowdung or earth soil for worshipping. Songs in praise of Shiva and Parvati are sung. This is the festival of great significance in the life of hill people. Shivratri of Mandi ranks above all in Western Himalayas. Mandi town is tastefully decorated and thousands of hill fork arrived in their traditional dresses participate in the fair.
Nawala Festival
Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.